What Does a Landscape Supervisor Do?

Landscape supervisors are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of their company’s landscaping projects. They ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget, while also ensuring that quality standards are met.

Landscape supervisors may oversee a variety of different projects at any given time, including but not limited to: building exteriors, public parks, private gardens, etc.

Landscape Supervisor Job Duties

A landscape supervisor typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Reviewing plans and designs created by designers to ensure compliance with zoning regulations and city codes
• Communicating with clients to discuss project goals and expectations
• Overseeing the hiring of subcontractors as needed for tasks such as mowing, pruning, or irrigation repair work
• Ensuring that all safety procedures are followed on site during construction or installation projects
• Coordinating with other team members to schedule work activities and track progress
• Maintaining records of work performed on each project including expenses and materials used
• Managing the project budget by ordering supplies and labor as needed
• Consulting with architects, designers, engineers, and contractors to ensure compatibility between construction projects and site conditions
• Scheduling and coordinating the work of laborers and other staff members to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget limitations

Landscape Supervisor Salary & Outlook

Landscape supervisors’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and type of company for which they work. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $53,500 ($25.72/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $81,500 ($39.18/hour)

The employment of landscape supervisors is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for landscaping services will increase as more people choose to live in cities and towns that have a historic character or are environmentally friendly. In addition, demand for landscape design services will continue to come from real estate developers who want to make developments more attractive to potential buyers.

Related: Landscape Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

Landscape Supervisor Job Requirements

A landscape supervisor typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Landscape supervisors typically need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Many landscape supervisors choose to pursue a two-year associate degree in landscape management or horticulture. These programs teach students about landscape design, installation, maintenance and irrigation. Some landscape supervisors also choose to pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture.

Training & Experience: Landscape supervisors typically receive on-the-job training from their previous positions. They may also receive training from their employers in the first few months of employment. This training may include learning the company’s policies and procedures, safety practices and the software and equipment they use.

Certifications & Licenses: Some employers may require employees to pass an industry-specific certification to show their general understanding of the field.

Landscape Supervisor Skills

Landscape supervisors need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication skills: Landscape supervisors often communicate with their team members, clients and other stakeholders. They use verbal and written communication skills to convey messages, provide instructions and answer questions. They also use communication skills to negotiate with clients and contractors to ensure they understand each other and agree on the project’s scope.

Leadership skills: Landscape supervisors often have strong leadership skills, which they use to guide their teams and ensure that projects are completed on time and to the company’s standards. Effective leaders are able to motivate their teams and encourage them to work hard to achieve their goals. Landscape supervisors often use their leadership skills to train new members of their team, delegate tasks and evaluate employee performance.

Technical skills: Landscape supervisors use technical skills to plan and execute projects. They use technical skills to read and interpret blueprints, design and create landscaping plans and evaluate and select materials and equipment. They also use technical skills to create and maintain records of project details, including budgets, schedules and other project information.

Problem-solving skills: Landscape supervisors often work with a team of other professionals, including landscapers, designers and engineers. They may be responsible for overseeing the entire project, so it’s important for them to be able to identify and solve problems that may arise. For example, if a landscaper notices a problem with a plant, the landscape supervisor may be responsible for finding a solution to the problem.

Organizational skills: Landscape supervisors often have strong organizational skills, as they often have many responsibilities and tasks to oversee. Having strong organizational skills can help you manage your time and responsibilities more effectively. You can use organizational skills to plan your work schedule, organize your office and plan your budget.

Landscape Supervisor Work Environment

Landscape supervisors work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, supervising the work of landscapers and other workers. They may work long hours during the peak season, which generally runs from April through October. Some landscape supervisors may be required to work overtime during the week and on weekends to meet deadlines. Landscape supervisors typically work for landscaping companies, but some may be self-employed.

Landscape Supervisor Trends

Here are three trends influencing how landscape supervisors work. Landscape supervisors will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growing Demand for Green Infrastructure

The demand for green infrastructure is growing as more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of living in a environmentally-friendly community. This trend is leading to an increased demand for landscape supervisors who have experience working with green infrastructure projects.

As the demand for green infrastructure increases, landscape supervisors will need to be able to manage projects that include things like rain gardens, bioswales, and other water conservation features. They will also need to be familiar with the latest technologies and products that can help make these projects successful.

More Focus on Sustainability

As businesses become more concerned about sustainability, they are turning to landscape supervisors who can help them create sustainable landscapes.

This trend means that landscape supervisors will need to be well-versed in sustainable practices, such as using native plants and recycling materials. They will also need to be able to communicate the benefits of sustainability to their clients. In addition, landscape supervisors will need to be able to manage teams that are focused on sustainability.

A Greater Emphasis on Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is becoming increasingly important in the landscape industry. Customers are looking for professionals who can create beautiful outdoor spaces that meet their specific needs.

Landscape supervisors can capitalize on this trend by developing strong customer service skills and by understanding what customers want. They can also focus on creating designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

How to Become a Landscape Supervisor

A landscape supervisor career can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the landscaping industry. As a landscape supervisor, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project from start to finish. This includes planning and designing the project, ordering materials, managing workers on site, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.

To become a landscape supervisor, you’ll need to have at least 2-3 years of experience working in the landscaping industry. You should also have a strong understanding of plants and horticulture, as well as construction and design principles.

Advancement Prospects

Landscape supervisors may advance to management positions within their company. They may also start their own landscape design business. As their business grows, they may hire other designers and support staff, giving them the opportunity to manage and mentor other designers.

Landscape Supervisor Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we take pride in the appearance of our grounds and the safety of our visitors. We’re looking for an experienced landscape supervisor to join our team and help us maintain our high standards. The ideal candidate will have experience supervising a team of landscapers, as well as knowledge of horticulture and landscape design. He or she will be responsible for scheduling and supervising the work of the landscaping team, as well as maintaining the equipment and supplies. The landscape supervisor will also be responsible for ensuring that the work is completed safely and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Schedule and oversee all landscape projects, ensuring that work is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards
• Work with clients to develop project proposals, including cost estimates and timelines
• Select and purchase materials for each project, taking into account quality, quantity, and budget
• Hire, train, and manage a team of landscapers, assigning tasks and monitoring progress
• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets all specifications
• Respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a prompt and professional manner
• Keep up to date with industry trends and developments
• Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate records of all projects, including costs, materials used, and man-hours worked
• Prepare regular reports for upper management
• Conduct site visits to assess ongoing work and identify any potential problems
• Liaise with other departments, such as irrigation and maintenance, to ensure smooth operations

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3-5 years of landscape maintenance experience
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
• Ability to operate landscape equipment (lawn mowers, trimmers, etc.)
• Strong leadership and customer service skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in horticulture or related field
• Supervisory experience
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Certification in pesticide application